I/O and memory bus system for DFPS and units with two- or multi-dimensional programmable cell architectures

ABSTRACT

A general bus system is provided which combines a number of internal lines and leads them as a bundle to the terminals. The bus system control is predefined and does not require any influence by the programmer. Any number of memories, peripherals or other units can be connected to the bus system (for cascading).

CROSS-REFERENCES TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No.10/792,168 filed on Mar. 2, 2004, which is a continuation of U.S. patentapplication Ser. No. 10/304,252 filed on Nov. 26, 2002, which is acontinuation of U.S. patent application Ser. No. 09/915,213 filed onJul. 25, 2001, which is a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 09/335,974 filed Jun. 18, 1999, which is a continuation ofInternational Patent Application PCT/DE97/03013 filed on Dec. 21, 1997and a continuation-in-part of U.S. patent application Ser. No.08/947,254 filed on Oct. 8, 1997, the entire contents of each of whichare expressly incorporated herein by reference thereto.

BACKGROUND INFORMATION

DFP-Based Systems:

German Patent No. DE 44 16 881 describes data flow processors (DFPs) inwhich lines of each edge cell, i.e., a cell at the edge of a cell arrayoften in direct contact with the terminals of the unit, lead outward viathe terminals of the unit. The lines do not have any specific function.Instead, the lines assume the function that is written into the edgecells. Several DFPs may be interconnected to form a matrix by connectingall terminals.

Systems with Two- or Multi-Dimensional Programmable Cell Architectures:

In systems with two- or multi-dimensional programmable cellarchitectures, such as field programmable gate arrays (FPGAs) anddynamically programmable gate arrays (DPGAs), a certain subset ofinternal bus systems and lines of the edge cells are connected to theoutside via the unit terminals. The lines do not have any specificfunction, and instead they assume the function written in the edgecells. If several FPGAs/DPGAs are interconnected, the terminals assumethe function implemented in the hardware or software.

PROBLEMS

DFP-Based Systems:

The wiring complexity for peripherals or for interconnecting DFPs isvery high, because the programmer must also ensure that the respectivefunctions are integrated into the cells of the DFP(s). For connecting amemory, a memory management unit must be integrated into the unit. Forconnecting peripherals, the peripherals must be supported. Additionally,cascading of DFPs must be similarly taken into account. This isrelatively complicated. Moreover, space in the unit is lost for therespective implementations.

Systems with Two- or Multi-Dimensional Programmable Cell Architectures(FPGAs, DPGAs):

The above also applies to FPGAs and DPGAs, in particular when the FPGAsand DPGAs implement algorithms or operate as arithmetic (co)processors.

SUMMARY

In accordance with an example embodiment of the present invention, theexpense of wiring, in particular the number of unit terminals required,is greatly reduced. A uniform bus system operates without any specialconsideration by a programmer. A permanent implementation of the bussystem control is provided. Memory and peripherals can be connected tothe bus system without any special measures. Likewise, units can becascaded with the help of the bus system.

According to the present invention, a general bus system is providedwhich combines a number of internal lines and leads them as a bundle tothe terminals. The bus system control is predefined and does not requireany influence by the programmer. Any number of memory devices,peripherals or other units (i.e., cascading) can be connected to the bussystem.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 shows an example of a basic unit as a type A FPGA.

FIG. 2 shows an example of a basic unit as a type B FPGA.

FIG. 3 shows an example of a basic unit as a DFP.

FIG. 4 shows an example of line bundling in FPGAs according to anexample embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 shows an example of line bundling in DFPs according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 shows an example of an OUTPUT CELL according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 7 shows an example of an INPUT CELL according to an exampleembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 8 shows an example of address generation in accordance with anexample embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 9 shows an example of a complete bus system with controlleraccording to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 10 shows an example of a connection of memories and peripherals inaccordance with an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 11 shows an example of an EB-REG in accordance with an exampleembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 12 shows an example embodiment of the present invention using aRAMBUS.

FIG. 13 shows an example implementation of an IO and memory bus systemaccording to the present invention.

FIG. 14 shows an example Bus IO according to the present invention.

FIG. 15 a shows an example address generator according to the presentinvention.

FIG. 15 b shows another example address generator according to thepresent invention, generating end-of-data identification.

FIG. 15 c shows an example function sequence with the address generatorwith end-of-data identification according to the present invention.

FIG. 16 shows an interaction of two segments in indirect addressingaccording to an example embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 17 shows an example state machine for indirect addressing accordingto the present invention.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

The following description encompasses several architectures which arecontrolled and configured by a primary logic unit, such as DFPs, FPGAs,DPGAs, etc. Parts of the primary logic unit may be integrated on theunit. Alternatively, the architectures may be dynamically controlled orreconfigured directly through the unit itself (see, e.g., FIGS. 6, 7).The architectures may be implemented in a permanent form on the unit, orthey may be created by configuring and possibly combining multiple logiccells, i.e., configurable cells which fulfill simple logical orarithmetic functions according to their configuration (cf. DFP, FPGA,DPGA).

Bundling Internal Lines:

In accordance with the example embodiment of the present invention, toobtain appropriate bus architectures, a plurality of internal lines arecombined in buses (I-BUSn, where n denotes the number of the bus). Thelines may be internal bus systems or lines of the edge cells. For writeaccess to the external bus (E-Bus) over clocked latches or registers(I-GATE-REG), the individual buses are connected to gates that functionas switches to the E-BUS. Such a unit is called an OUTPUT CELL. Accessto the E-BUS takes place in such a way that the individual latches areswitched via the gates to the common E-BUS. There is always only onegate open. Each I-BUSn has a unique identification number (n: e.g.,I-BUS1, I-BUS976, etc.).

For read access, the incoming E-BUS is stored temporarily in clockedlatches or registers (E-GATE-REG) and then distributed over the gates tothe I-BUSn. Such a unit is called an INPUT CELL. Pick up from the E-BUStakes place in such a way that an E-BUS transfer is written into one ormore E-GATE-REGs. The E-GATE-REGs can then be switched eitherindividually or together to their internal bus systems.

Read-write access can take place in any order. Under some circumstances,the internal buses I-BUSn may be subdivided into two groups, e.g.,writing output buses IO-BUSn and reading input buses II-BUSn.

Address Generation:

For most accesses to external units, addresses are generated forselecting a unit or parts of a unit. The addresses may be permanent,i.e., they do not change (this is the case especially with peripheraladdresses) or the addresses may change by (usually) fixed values witheach access (this is the case especially with memory addresses). Forgenerating the addresses, there are programmable counters for readaccess and programmable counters for write access. The counters are setat a base value by the PLU, which is the unit that configures theconfigurable units (DFPs, FPGAs, DPGAs, etc.) based on cellarchitecture. With each access to the gate, the counter is incrementedor decremented by a value defined by the PLU, depending on the setting.Likewise, each counter can also be used as a register, which means thatcounting is not performed with each access, and the value set in thecounter is unchanged. The value of the counter belonging to the gate isassigned as an address to each bus transfer. The counter is set by asetting register (MODE PLUREG) to which the PLU has write access.

Masks and States:

Each gate is assigned a number of bits in MODE PLUREG (described below).The bits indicate whether the gate is active or is skipped by thecontroller, i.e., is masked out (MASK). If a gate is masked out, thegate is skipped in running through all gates to connect to therespective bus system.

The following mask records are examples of possible mask records:

-   -   always skip the INPUT/OUTPUT CELL,    -   skip the INPUT/OUTPUT CELL only in writing,    -   skip the INPUT/OUTPUT CELL only in reading if the E-BUS MASTER        has not accessed the INPUT/OUTPUT CELL,    -   never skip the INPUT/OUTPUT CELL.

Each gate is assigned a state register which may be designed as an RSflip-flop. This register indicates whether data have been written intothe register belonging to the gate.

MODE PLUREG

The MODE PLUREG can be written and read by the PLU. It serves to set thebus system.

One possible MODE PLUREG architecture from the standpoint of PLU is setforth below: Bit 1-m Bit k-1 Bit 2-k Bit 1 Bit 0 Mask Predefined Steplength 0 = additive 0 = register value counting 1 = counter 1 =subtractive counting Masking Settings for address generatorDescription of the INPUT CELL:

A distinction is made according to whether data is transmitted from theE-BUS to the unit (the component used for this is called the INPUT CELL)or whether data is transmitted from the unit to the E-BUS (the componentused for this is called an OUTPUT CELL).

An example embodiment of the INPUT CELL is as follows. A latch(I-TE-REG) which is controlled either by the external E-BUS MASTER orthe internal state machine serves as a buffer for the data received fromthe E-BUS. The clock pulse of the latch is sent to (for example) an RSflip-flop (SET-REG) which retains access to the I-GATE-REG. Downstreamfrom the I-GATE-REG is a gate (I-GATE) which is controlled by the statemachine. The data goes from the I-GATE-REG to the I(I)-BUSn via theI-GATE.

In addition the example embodiment, there is a programmableincrementer/decrementer in the INPUT CELL. The programmableincrementer/decrementer can be controlled by the state machine aftereach active read access to the E-BUS to increment or decrement anadjustable value. It can also serve as a simple register. This countergenerates the addresses for bus access where the unit is E-BUS MASTER.The addresses are sent to the E-BUS via a gate (ADR-GATE). The ADR-REGis controlled by the state machine.

The E-BUS MASTER can poll the state of the SET-REG via another gate(STATE-GATE). Each INPUT CELL has a MODE PLUREG in which the PLUconfigures the counter and turns the INPUT CELL on or off (masks it).

Description of the OUTPUT CELL:

An example embodiment of an OUTPUT CELL is as follows. A latch(E-GATE-REG) which is controlled by the internal state machine providesbuffer storage for the data obtained from the I-BUS.

In addition, a programmable incrementer/decrementer is provided in theOUTPUT CELL. The clock signal of the latch is sent to (for example) anRS flip-flop (SET-REG) which retains access to the E-GATE-REG. Theprogrammable incrementer/decrementer can be controlled by the statemachine after each read access to the E-BUS to increment or decrement anselectable value. It can also function as a simple register. Thiscounter generates the addresses for bus access in which the unit isE-BUS MASTER.

The data of the E-GATE-REG, the addresses and the state of the SET-REGare sent to the E-BUS via a gate (E-GATE) which is controlled either bythe external E-BUS MASTER or the internal state machine. Each OUTPUTCELL has a MODE PLUREG in which the PLU configures the counter and turnsthe OUTPUT CELL on and off (masks it).

Controlling the Bus System:

At a higher level than the individual gates, address generators andmasks, in the example embodiment of the present invention, there is acontroller consisting of a simple, conventional state machine. Twooperating modes are differentiated:

-   1. An active mode in which the state machine controls the internal    bus (I-BUS) and the external bus (E-BUS). This mode is called E-BUS    MASTER because the state machine has control of the E-BUS.-   2. A passive mode in which the state machine controls only the    internal bus (I-BUS). The E-BUS is controlled by another external    unit. The state machine reacts in this mode to the requirements of    the external E-BUS MASTER. This mode of operation is called E-BUS    SLAVE.

The controller manages the E-BUS protocol. The sequence differsaccording to whether the controller is functioning in E-BUS MASTER orE-BUS SLAVE mode. A particular protocol is not described herein, becauseany one of a number of conventional protocols may be implemented.

E-BUS MASTER and E-BUS SLAVE, EB-REG:

In the example embodiment, the E-BUS control register (EB-REG) isprovided to manage the data traffic on the E-BUS. The E-BUS controlregister is connected in series with the gates and can be addressed andoperated from the E-BUS. The data exchange may be regulated through thefollowing records:

-   I-WRITE: indicates that the I-BUS is written completely into the    INPUT/OUTPUT CELLs,-   I-READ: indicates that the I-BUS has completely read the    INPUT/OUTPUT CELLs,-   E-WRITE: indicates that the E-BUS has been written completely into    the INPUT/OUTPUT CELLs,-   E-READ: indicates that the E-BUS has completely read the    INPUT/OUTPUT CELLs.

In the example embodiment, the EB-REG is always active only on the sideof the E-BUS SLAVE, and the E-BUS MASTER has read-write access to it.

-   -   All I— . . . records are written by E-BUS SLAVE and read by        E-BUS MASTER.    -   All E— . . . records are written by E-BUS MASTER and read by        E-BUS SLAVE.

An E-BUS SLAVE can request control of the E-BUS by setting the REQMASTER bit in its EB-REG. If the E-BUS MASTER recognizes the REQ MASTERbit, it relinquishes the bus control as soon as possible. The E-BUSMASTER relinquishes the bus control by setting the MASTER bit in theEB-REG of an E-BUS SLAVE. The E-BUS MASTER then immediately switches theE-BUS to passive mode. The old E-BUS SLAVE becomes the new E-BUS MASTER,and the old E-BUS MASTER becomes the new E-BUS SLAVE. The new E-BUSMASTER assumes control of the E-BUS. To recognize the first E-BUS MASTERafter a RESET of the system, there is a terminal on each unit whichindicates by the preset polarity whether the unit is E-BUS MASTER orE-BUS SLAVE after a RESET. The MASTER record in the EB-REG can also beset and reset by the PLU. In the example embodiment, the PLU must besure that there are no bus collisions on the EB-BUS and that no ongoingtransfers are interrupted.

E-BUS MASTER Writes Data to E-BUS SLAVE

In the example embodiment of the present invention, the E-BUS MASTER canwrite data to the E-BUS SLAVE as follows:

-   -   The data transfer begins when the state machine of the E-BUS        MASTER selects an OUTPUT CELL that is not masked out.    -   Data has already been stored in the I-GATE REG, depending on the        design of the state machine, or the data is stored now.    -   The gate is activated.    -   The valid read address is transferred to the bus.    -   The data goes to the E-BUS and is stored in the E-GATE REG of        the E-BUS SLAVE.    -   The SET-REG in the E-BUS SLAVE is thus activated.    -   The gate in the E-BUS MASTER is deactivated.    -   The address counter generates the address for the next access.    -   The transfer is terminated for the E-BUS MASTER.

There are two possible embodiments of the E-BUS SLAVE for transferringdata from the bus to the unit:

-   1. The data gate is always open and the data goes directly from the    E-GATE-REG to the I-BUSn.-   2. The state machine recognizes that SET-REG is activated, and it    activates the gate, so that SET-REG can be reset.

The E-BUS MASTER can notify the E-BUS SLAVE when a complete bus cycle isterminated (a bus cycle is defined as the transfer of multiple datastrings to different E-GATE-REGs, where each E-GATE-REG may be addressedexactly once).

-   -   The E-BUS MASTER sets the E-WRITE bit in the EB-REG of the E-BUS        SLAVE at the end of a bus cycle.    -   The E-BUS SLAVE can respond by polling the INPUT CELLs.    -   When it has polled all the INPUT CELLs, it sets the I-READ bit        in its EB-REG.    -   It then resets E-WRITE and all the SET-REGs of the INPUT CELLS.    -   The E-BUS MASTER can poll I-READ and begin a new bus cycle after        its activation.    -   I-READ is reset by E-WRITE being written or the first bus        transfer.

The E-BUS SLAVE can analyze whether the INPUT CELLs can/must be readagain on the basis of the status of the EB-REG or the individualSET-REGs of the INPUT CELLs.

E-BUS MASTER Reads Data from E-BUS SLAVE:

From the standpoint of the E-BUS MASTER, there are two basic methods ofreading data from the E-BUS SLAVE:

-   1. Method in which the E-BUS data goes directly to the I-BUS:    -   The data transfer begins with the state machine of the E-BUS        MASTER selecting an INPUT CELL which is not masked out.    -   The I-GATE and the ADR-GATE are activated.    -   The valid read address is transferred to the bus.    -   The I-GATE-REG is transparent, i.e., it allows the data through        to the I-BUSn.    -   The gate in the E-BUS MASTER is deactivated.    -   The address counter generates the address for the next access.    -   The transfer is terminated for the E-BUS MASTER.-   2. Method in which the E-BUS data is stored temporarily in the    I-GATE-REG:    -   The data transfer begins with the state machine of the E-BUS        MASTER selecting an INPUT CELL which is not masked out.    -   The I-GATE and the ADR-GATE are activated.    -   The valid read address is transferred to the bus.    -   I-GATE-REG stores the data.    -   The gate in the E-BUS MASTER is deactivated.    -   The address counter generates the address for the next access.    -   The E-BUS transfer is terminated for the E-BUS MASTER.    -   All INPUT CELLS involved in the E-BUS transfer, which can be        ascertained on the basis of the masks in the MODE PLUREG or the        state of the SET-REG, are run through and the data is        transferred to the respective I-BUS.

For the E-BUS SLAVE, the access looks as follows:

-   -   The gate is activated by the E-BUS.    -   The data and the state of any SET-REG that may be present go to        the E-BUS.    -   The gate is deactivated.

The E-BUS MASTER can notify the E-BUS SLAVE when a complete bus cycle isterminated.

-   -   To do so, at the end of a bus cycle, the E-BUS MASTER sets the        E-READ bit in the EB-REG of the E-BUS SLAVE.    -   E-BUS SLAVE can react by writing to the OUTPUT CELLs anew.    -   When it has written to all the OUTPUT CELLs, it sets the I-WRITE        bit in its EB-REG.    -   In doing so, it resets E-READ and all the SET-REGs of the OUTPUT        CELLS.    -   The E-BUS MASTER can poll I-WRITE and begin a new bus cycle        after its activation.    -   I-WRITE is reset by writing E-READ or the first bus transfer.

E-BUS SLAVE can evaluate on the basis of the state of the EB-REG or theindividual SET-REGs of the OUTPUT CELLS whether the OUTPUT CELLscan/must be written anew.

Connection of Memory Devices and Peripherals, Cascading:

In addition to cascading identical units (DFPs, FPGAs, DPGAs), memoriesand peripherals can also be connected as lower-level SLAVE units (SLAVE)to the bus system described here. Memories and peripherals as well asother units (DFPs, FPGAs) can be combined here. Each connected SLAVEanalyzes the addresses on the bus and recognizes independently whetherit has been addressed. In these modes, the unit addressing the memory orthe peripheral, i.e., the SLAVE units, is the bus MASTER (MASTER), i.e.,the unit controls the bus and the data transfer. The exception isintelligent peripheral units, such as SCSI controllers that can initiateand execute transfers independently and therefore are E-BUS MASTERs.

Through the method described here, bus systems can be connected easilyand efficiently to DFPs and FPGAs. Both memories and peripherals as wellas other units of the types mentioned above can be connected over thebus systems.

The bus system need not be implemented exclusively in DFPs, FPGAs andDPGAs. Hybrid operation of this bus system with traditional unitterminal architectures is of course possible. Thus the advantages of therespective technique can be utilized optimally.

Other sequencing methods are also possible for the bus system describedhere. However, they will not be detailed here because they are freeembodiment options that do not depend on the basic principle describedhere.

DESCRIPTION OF THE FIGURES

FIG. 1 shows a conventional FPGA, where 0101 represents the internal bussystems, 0102 includes one or more FPGA cells. 0103 denotes subbuseswhich are a subset of 0101 and are connected to 0101 via switches(crossbars). 0103 can also manage internal data of 0102 that are notswitched to 0101. The FPGA cells are arranged in a two-dimensionalarray. 0104 is an edge cell located at the edge of the array and is thusin direct proximity to the terminals at the edge of the unit.

FIG. 2 shows another conventional FPGA. This embodiment does not workwith bus systems like 0101 but instead mainly with next-neighborconnections (0201), which are direct connections from an FPGA cell(0203) to a neighboring cell. There may be global bus systems (0202)nevertheless, although they are not very wide. The FPGA cells or a groupof FPGA cells have a connection to 0202. The FPGA cells are arranged ina two-dimensional array. 0204 is an edge cell located at the edge of thearray and thus in close proximity to the terminals at the edge of theunit.

FIG. 3 shows a DFP described in, for example, German Patent No. 196 51075.9. The PAE cells (0303) are wired to the bus systems (0301) via abus interface (0304). Bus systems 0301 can be wired together via a busswitch (0302). The PAE cells are arranged in a two-dimensional array.0305 is an edge cell located on the edge of the array and is thus inclose proximity to the terminals at the edge of the unit.

FIG. 4 a shows an FPGA edge according to FIG. 1. Outside the edge cells(0401) there are arranged a plurality of INPUT/OUTPUT CELLs (0402)connecting the internal bus systems (0403) individually or in groups tothe E-BUS (0404). The number of INPUT/OUTPUT CELLs depends on their ownwidth in relation to the width of the internal bus systems. 0405 is anEB-REG. 0406 is a state machine. A bus system (0407) by means of whichthe state machine controls the INPUT/OUTPUT CELLs runs from the statemachine to the EB-REG and each individual INPUT/OUTPUT CELL. There maybe several 0405s and 0406s by combining a number of 0402s into groups,each managed by a 0405 and 0406.

FIG. 4 b shows an FPGA edge according to FIG. 2. Several INPUT/OUTPUTCELLs (0412) are arranged outside the edge cells (0411) and areconnected individually or in groups to the E-BUS (0414) via the internalbus systems (0413) and the direct connections of the edge cells (0417).The number of INPUT/OUTPUT CELLs depends on their own width in relationto the width of the internal bus systems (0413) and the number of directconnections (0418). 0415 is an EB-REG. 0416 is a state machine. A bussystem (0417) by means of which the state machine controls theINPUT/OUTPUT CELLs goes from the state machine to the EB-REG and eachindividual INPUT/OUTPUT CELL. There may be multiple 0415s and 0416s bycombining a number of 0412s into groups, each managed by a 0415 and0416.

FIG. 5 shows a DFP edge according to FIG. 3. Outside the edge cells(0501) are arranged several INPUT/OUTPUT CELLs (0502) which areconnected individually or in groups to the E-BUS (0504) by the internalbus systems (0503). The number of INPUT/OUTPUT CELLs depends on theirown width in relation to the width of the internal bus systems (0503).0505 is an EB-REG. 0506 is a state machine. The state machine controlsthe INPUT/OUTPUT CELLs via a bus system (0507) which goes from the statemachine to the EB-REG and each individual INPUT/OUTPUT CELL. There maybe multiple 0505s and 0506s by combining a number of 0412s into groups,each managed by a 0505 and 0506.

FIG. 6 shows an OUTPUT CELL 0601. Outside of 0601 there are the EB-REG(0602) and the state machine (0603) plus a gate (0604) which connectsthe state machine to the E-BUS (0605) if it is the E-BUS MASTER. Accessto the EB-REG is possible via the E-BUS (0605), the I-BUS (0613) and thePLU bus (0609). In addition, when the unit is reset, the MASTER bit canbe set via an external terminal (0614) leading out of the unit. Thestate machine (0603) has read-write access to 0602. In the OUTPUT CELLthere is a multiplexer (0606) which assigns control of the E-GATE (0607)to either the E-BUS MASTER or the state machine (0603). The MODE PLUREG(0608) is set via the PLU bus (0609) or the I-BUS (0613) and itconfigures the address counter (0610) and the state machine (e.g.,masking out the OUTPUT CELL). If data of the I-BUS (0613) is stored inthe I-GATE-REG (0611), the access is noted in SET-REG (0612). The stateof 0612 can be polled via 0607 on the E-BUS. Read access (E-GATE 0607 isactivated) resets 0612. The addresses generated by 0610 and the data of0611 are transferred to the E-BUS via gate 0607. There is thepossibility of dynamically reconfiguring and controlling the OUTPUT CELLvia the unit itself (DFP, FPGA, DPGA, etc.) rather than through the PLU.The I-BUS connection to the EB-REG (0602) and MODE PLUREG (0608) servesthis function.

FIG. 7 shows an INPUT CELL 0701. Outside of 0701 there are the EB-REG(0702) and the state machine (0703), as well as a gate (MASTER GATE)(0704) which connects the state machine to the E-BUS (0705). if it is inthe E-BUS MASTER mode. Access to EB-REG is possible via the E-BUS(0705), the I-BUS (0713) and the PLU bus (0709). Furthermore, when theunit is reset, the MASTER bit can be set via an external terminal (0714)leading out of the unit. The state machine (0703) has read-write accessto 0702. In the INPUT CELL there is a multiplexer (0706) which assignscontrol of the E-GATE-REG (0707) to either the E-BUS MASTER or the statemachine (0703). The MODE PLUREG (0708) is set via the PLU bus (0709) orthe I-BUS (0713) and configures the address counter (0710) and the statemachine (e.g., masking out the INPUT CELL). If data of the E-BUS (0705)is stored in the E-GATE-REG (0707), this access is noted in the SET-REG(0712). The state of 0712 can be polled on the E-BUS via a gate (0715)whose control is the same as that of the latch (0707). A readaccess—E-GATE 0711 is activated and the data goes to the I-BUS(0713)—resets 0712 via 0717. As an alternative, 0712 can be reset (0718)via the state machine (0703).

The addresses generated by 0710 are transferred via the gate (ADR-GATE)0716 to the E-BUS. 0716 is activated by the state machine (0703) when itis the E-BUS MASTER. There is the possibility of dynamicallyreconfiguring and controlling the INPUT CELL via the unit itself (DFP,FPGA, DPGA, etc.) instead of through the PLU. The I-BUS connection tothe EB-REG (0702) and the MODE PLUREG (0708) serves this function.

FIG. 8 shows the MODE PLUREG (0801) of an INPUT or OUTPUT CELL writtenby the PLU via the PLU bus (0802) or via an I-BUS (0808). The respectivebus system is selected by the multiplexer (0809) (control of themultiplexer is not shown because an ordinary decoder logic can be used).The counter settings such as step length, counting direction andenabling of the counter are sent directly (0807) to the counter (0803).The basic address can either be written directly (0805) to the countervia a load (0804) or stored temporarily in an extension (0811) of 0801.Records in 0801 that are relevant for the state machine go to the statemachine via a gate (0806) which is opened by the state machine for theINPUT or OUTPUT CELL activated at the time.

FIG. 9 a shows a bus interface circuit with a state machine (0901),MASTER GATE (0902) and EB-REG (0903). INPUT CELLs (0904) transfer datafrom the E-BUS (0905) to the II-BUS (0906). OUTPUT CELLs (0907) transferdata from the IO-BUS (0908) to the E-BUS (0905). All units are linkedtogether by the control bus (0909).

FIG. 9 b shows a bus interface circuit with a state machine (0901),MASTER GATE (0902) and EB-REG (0903). INPUT CELLs (0904) transfer datafrom the E-BUS (0905) to the bidirectional I-BUS (0910). OUTPUT CELLS(0907) transfer data from the bidirectional I-BUS (0910) to the E-BUS(0905). All units are linked together over the control bus (0909).Interface circuits utilizing both possibilities (FIGS. 9 a and 9 b) in ahybrid design are also conceivable.

FIG. 10 a shows the interconnection of two units (DFPs, FPGAs, DPGAs,etc.) (1001) linked together via the E-BUS (1002).

FIG. 10 b shows the interconnection of a number of units (DFPs, FPGAs,DPGAs, etc.) (1001) via the E-BUS (1002).

FIG. 10 c shows the interconnection of a number of units (DFPs, FPGAs,DPGAs, etc.) (1001) via the E-BUS (1002). This interconnection can beexpanded to a matrix. One unit (1001) may also manage multiple bussystems (1002).

FIG. 10 d shows the interconnection [of a] unit (DFP, FPGA, DPGA, etc.)(1001) to a memory unit or a memory bank (1003) via the E-BUS (1002).

FIG. 10 e shows the interconnection [of a] unit (DFP, FPGA, DPGA, etc.)(1001) to a peripheral device or a peripheral group (1004) via the E-BUS(1002).

FIG. 10 f shows the interconnection [of a] unit (DFP, FPGA, DPGA, etc.)(1001) to a memory unit or a memory bank (1003) and to a peripheraldevice or a peripheral group (1004) via the E-BUS (1002).

FIG. 10 g shows the interconnection [of a] unit (DFP, FPGA, DPGA, etc.)(1001) to a memory unit or a memory bank (1003) and to a peripheraldevice or a peripheral group (1004) plus another unit (DFP, FPGA, DPGA,etc.) (1001) via the E-BUS (1002).

FIG. 11 shows the architecture of the EB-REG. The bus systems E-BUS(1103), the PLU bus (1104) over which the PLU has access to the EB-REG,and the local internal bus between the INPUT/OUTPUT CELLs, the statemachine and the EB-REG (1105, see 0407, 0417, 0517) and possibly anI-BUS (1114) are connected to a multiplexer (1106). The multiplexer(1106) selects either one of the buses or feedback to the register(1108) and switches the data through to the input of the register(1108). The MASTER bit is sent to the register (1108) separately overthe multiplexer (1107). The multiplexer is controlled by the RESETsignal (1101) (resetting or initializing the unit). If a RESET signal isapplied, the multiplexer (1107) switches the signal of an external chipconnection (1102) through to the input of the register (1108); otherwisethe output of the multiplexer (1106) is switched through to the input ofthe register (1108). MASTER may thus be pre-allocated. The register(1108) is clocked by the system clock (1112). The contents of theregister (1108) are switched via a gate (1109, 1110, 1111, 1113) to therespective bus system (1103, 1104, 1105, 1114) having read access atthat time. Control of the gates (1109, 1110, 1111, 1113) and of themultiplexer (1106) is not shown because an ordinary decoder logic may beused.

EMBODIMENTS

FIG. 12 shows an example embodiment using a standard bus system RAMBUS(1203). One unit (DFP, FPGA, DPGA, etc.) (1201) is connected to otherunits (memories, peripherals, other DFPs, FPGAs, DPGAs, etc.) (1202) bythe bus system (1203). Independently of the bus system (1203), this unit(1201) may have additional connecting lines (1204), e.g., for connectingany desired circuits, as is customary in the related art.

FIG. 13 shows an example of implementation of an IO and memory bussystem. 1310 forms the RAM bus connecting RAM bus interface (1308) tothe RAM bus memory. The RAM bus interface is connected to a cache RAM(1306). A tag RAM (1307) and a cache controller (1305) are provided forcache RAM (1306). With the help of the cache controller and tag RAM, acheck is performed to determine whether the required data is in thecache memory or whether it must be loaded out of the external RAM busmemory. Cache RAM, cache controller and RAM bus interface are controlledby a state machine (1304). The cache is a known implementation.

Arbiter (1303) regulates access of individual bus segments to the cacheRAM and thus also to external memory. In this exemplary implementation,access to eight bus segments is possible. Each connection to a bussegment (1309) has a bus IO (1301) and an address generator (1302). Inaddition, each bus IO is also connected to the primary logic bus (1307)and to an internal test bus (1311). Every n-th bus IO is connected tothe (n+1)-th bus IO, where n is defined as n=(1, 3, 5, . . . ). Throughthis connection, data requested from memory by the n-th addressgenerator is used by the (n+1)-th segment as the address for a memoryaccess. Indirect addressing of the memory is thus possible. The value ofthe counter (1509) of segment n indicates a memory location in the RAM.Data from this memory location is transferred to segment (n+1), where itserves as the basic address for addressing the memory.

FIG. 14 shows an example bus IO unit. It is connected to the internalbus system (1406), the test bus system (1408) and the primary logic bus(1407). According to an example embodiment, bus (1412) and bus (1413)serve to connect the n-th bus IO to the (n+1)-th bus IO. In other words,bus (1413) is present only with every n-th segment, and bus (1412) ispresent only with every (n+1)-th segment. The n-th bus IO sends dataover the bus (1413), and the (n+1)-th bus IO receives this data over thebus (1412). Bus systems (1406, 1407, 1412) are connected by gates (1401,1402, 1403, 1411) to bus (1409) which connects the bus IO to the addressgenerator. The arbiter (1404) selects a bus system (1406, 1407, 1412)for data transmission and delivers a control signal to the state machine(1405) which in turn controls gates (1401, 1402, 1403, 1411). Inaddition, state machine (1405) also sends control signals (1410) to theaddress generator and RAM.

Two Example Possibilities are as Follows

a) Segment n: State machine (1405) receives from the address generator aconfiguration signal (1415) which determines whether indirect addressingis to take place. After a read trigger signal (1416) from internal bus(1406) or primary logic bus (1407), state machine (1405) enables therespective gate (1401, 1402, 1403, 1411) and generates control signals(1410). The memory location addressed by the loadableincrementer/decrementer (1509) is read out. Data contained in the RAMmemory location is not sent back to the bus but instead is transmittedby the bus (1413) to the (n+1)-th segment, where it serves as a basicaddress for addressing the RAM. After having received data from the RAM,the state machine (1405) delivers an acknowledge signal forsynchronization to state machine (1414), which controls the sequence inindirect addressing. This state machine (1414) is referred to below asind state machine. It generates all the necessary control signals andsends them to the following segment (1413).

b) Segment (n+1): The (n+1)-th segment receives data transmitted fromthe n-th segment over the bus (1412). Arbiter (1404) receives a writesignal and sends a request to the state machine, which enables gate(1411). Gate (1411) adds the internal address of the basic address entryto the data from 1412, so that decoder (1502) enables the basic addresslatches.

FIG. 15 a shows the address generator. Data and address information istransmitted from the bus 10 to the address generator over the bus(1409). Bus (1410) transmits control signals CLK (1517, 1508) and theoutput enable signal (1518) as well as control signals to RAM (1519).The output enable signal (1518) enables the gates (1503, 1515). Gate(1503) switches data from bus (1409) to data bus (1504) to the RAM. Gate(1515) switches the addresses thus generated to address bus (1520)leading to the RAM.

Addresses are generated as follows: Four entries in the addressgenerator generate addresses. Each entry is stored in two latches(1501), with one latch storing the higher-order address and the otherlatch storing the lower-order address. The basic address entry containsthe start address of a memory access. The step width entry is added toor subtracted from the basic address in loadable incrementer/decrementer(1509). The (incrementing/decrementing) function of loadableincrementer/decrementer (1509) is coded in one bit of the basic addressand transmitted to loadable incrementer/decrementer (1509).

The end address is stored in the end address entry, and one bit isencoded according to whether address generation is terminated onreaching the end address or whether the end address entry is ignored. Ifthe counter counts up to an end address, the value of the end addressentry is compared with the initial value of the loadableincrementer/decrementer. This takes place in the comparator (1510),which generates a high as soon as the end address is reached orexceeded. With an active enable end address signal (1507), the AND gate(1512) delivers this high to the OR gate (1514), which then relays atrigger signal (1521) to the primary logic bus.

The data count entry contains the number of data transfers and thus ofthe addresses to be calculated. Here again, one bit in the data countentry determines whether this function is activated and the enable datacounter signal (1506) is sent to the AND gate (1513) or whether the datacount entry is ignored. Counter (1505) receives the value of the datacount entry and decrements it by one with each clock pulse. Comparator(1511) compares the value of counter (1505) [with] zero and delivers asignal to AND gate (1513). If enable data counter signal (1506) isactive, the signal of comparator (1511) is sent to OR gate (1514) and astrigger signal (1521) to the primary logic bus.

Bus (1409) contains control signals and addresses for the decoder(1502), which selects one of the latches (1501) according to theaddress. Configuration register (1516) can also be controlled by decoder(1502), determining whether the segment is used for indirect addressing.Data of the configuration register is transmitted to the bus IO of thesegment over connection (1415).

FIG. 15 b shows a modification of the address generator from FIG. 15 a,which deposits the end address of the data block at the beginning of adata block in the memory. The advantage of this design is that (with) avariable size of the data block, the end is defined precisely forsubsequent access. This structure corresponds basically to the structureof the address generator from FIG. 15 a, but with the addition of twomultiplexers (1522, 1523) and an additional entry in the configurationregister (1523). This entry is called the calculate end address anddetermines whether the end address of the data block is deposited as thefirst entry of the data block at the location defined by the baseaddress entry. These multiplexers are controlled by state machine(1405). Multiplexer (1522) serves to switch the basic address or outputof counter (1509) to gate (1515). Multiplexer (1523) switches eitherdata coming from bus (1404) or the output of counter (1509) to gate(1503).

FIG. 15 c shows the sequence in the state machine and the pattern ofmemory access by the address generator shown in FIG. 15 b. State machine(1405) is first in the IDLE state (1524). If the calculate end addressentry is set in configuration register (1523), after writing step width(1529), state machine (1405) goes into state (1525) where the addressfor RAM access is written into the loadable incrementer/decrementer fromthe basic address entry, and the step width is added or subtracted,depending on counter mode (incrementing/decrementing). The RAM isaccessed and the state machine returns to IDLE state (1524). Thefollowing data transfers are performed as specified by the basicaddresses and step width entries. The pattern in memory is thus asfollows. Basic address (1526) has not been written. First entry (1527)is in the position defined by the basic address plus (minus) the stepwidth. The next entries (1528) follow one another at step widthintervals.

When the end of the transfer has been reached, a trigger signal isgenerated (1521). On the basis of the trigger signal (1521) or anexternal trigger signal (1417), state machine (1405) goes from IDLEstate (1524) into state (1530), where multiplexers (1522, 1523) areswitched, so that the basic address is applied to the input of gate(1515), and the address is applied to gate (1503) after the end of thedata block. Then state machine (1405) enters state (1531) and writes theaddress to the RAM at the position of the basic address after the end ofthe data block. The pattern in memory is then as follows. The entry ofbasic address (1526) indicates the address after the end of the datablock. The first entry in the data block is at address (1527), and thenthe remaining entries follow. Another possible embodiment of the statemachine is for the state machine to first correct the count in 1509 onthe basis of one of trigger signals (1521 or 1417) so that 1509indicates the last data word of the data block. This is implementedtechnically by performing the inverse operation to that preset in 1509,i.e., if 1509 adds the step width according to the presettings, the stepwidth is now subtracted; if 1509 subtracts according to the presettings,it is added. To perform the correction, an additional state (1540) isnecessary in the state machine described below in conjunction with FIG.15 c to control 1509 accordingly.

FIG. 16 shows the interaction of multiple segments in indirectaddressing. Segment n (1601) receives a read signal over the bus (1605)(primary logic bus (1407) or internal bus (1406)). Bus IO (1603) enablesthe respective gate and generates the required control signals. Thememory location determined by 1509 is addressed. Data (1607) coming fromthe RAM is sent to segment (n+1) (1602). Ind state machine (1604)generates. the required control signals and likewise sends them tosegment (n+1) (1602). In segment (n+1) (1602), signals pass through gate(1411) of bus IO (1608) described in conjunction with FIG. 14, where anaddress is added for decoder (1502) described in conjunction with FIG.15, so that the basic address entry of the address generator (1608) isaddressed by segment (n+1) (1602). Data coming from segment n (1601)thus serves as the basic address in segment (n+1) (1602), i.e.,read-write access over bus (1609) (primary logic bus (1407) or internalbus (1406)) can use this basic address for access to the RAM. Bus (1610)serves to transmit addresses to the RAM, and bus (1612) transmits datato and from the RAM, depending on whether it is a read or write access.

FIG. 17 illustrates the ind state machine. The basic state is the IDLEstate (1701). It remains in this state until the acknowledge signal ofstate machine (1405) from FIG. 14 arrives. Then ind state machine goesinto a write state (1702), generating a write enable signal which issent with the data to segment (n+1), where it serves to activate thedecoder selecting the various entries. Next it enters a wait_for_ackstate. After the acknowledge signal of segment (n+1), the ind statemachine returns to the IDLE state (1701).

DEFINITION OF TERMS

ADR-GATE: Gate which switches addresses to the E-BUS if the unit is inE-BUS MASTER mode.

DFP: Data flow processor according to German Patent DE 44 16 881.

DPGA: Dynamically programmable gate array. Related art.

D flip-flop: Storage element which stores a signal at the rising edge ofa clock pulse.

EB-REG: Register that stores the status signals between I-BUS and E-BUS.

E-BUS: External bus system outside a unit.

E-BUS MASTER: Unit that controls the E-BUS. Active.

E-BUS SLAVE: Unit controlled by the E-BUS MASTER. Passive.

E-GATE: Gate which is controlled by the internal state machine of theunit or by the E-BUS MASTER and switches data to the E-BUS.

E-GATE-REG: Register into which data transmitted to the E-BUS over theE-GATE is entered.

E-READ: Flag in the EB-REG indicating that the OUTPUT CELLS have beentransferred completely to the E-BUS.

E-WRITE: Flag in the EB-REG indicating that the E-BUS has beentransferred completely to the INPUT CELLS.

Flag: Status bit in a register, indicating a state.

FPGA: Field programmable gate array. Related art.

Handshake: Signal protocol where a signal A indicates a state andanother signal B confirms that it has accepted signal A and responded toit.

INPUT CELL: Unit transmitting data from the E-BUS to an I-BUS.

I-BUSn (also I-BUS): Internal bus system of a unit, which may alsoconsist of bundles of individual lines, where n indicates the number ofthe bus.

II-BUSn (also II-BUS): Internal bus system of a unit, which may alsoconsist of bundles of individual lines, with n denoting the number ofthe bus. The bus is driven by an INPUT CELL and goes to logic inputs.

IO-BUSn (also IO-BUS): Internal bus system of a unit, which may alsoconsist of bundles of individual lines, with n denoting the number ofthe bus. The bus is driven by logic outputs and goes to an OUTPUT CELL.n indicates the number of the bus.

I-GATE: Gate that switches data to the I-BUS.

I-GATE-REG: Register which is controlled by the internal state machineor by E-BUS MASTER and into which data transmitted over the I-GATE tothe I-BUS is entered.

I-READ: Flag in the EB-REG indicating that the INPUT CELLs have beencompletely transferred to the I-BUS.

I-WRITE: Flag in the EB-REG indicating that the I-BUS has beencompletely transferred to the OUTPUT CELLs.

Edge cell: Cell at the edge of a cell array, often with direct contactwith the terminals. of a unit.

Configuring: Setting the function and interconnecting a logic unit, a(FPGA) cell (logic cell) or a PAE (see reconfiguring).

Primary logic unit (PLU): Unit for configuring and reconfiguring a PAEor logic cell. Configured by a microcontroller specifically designed forthis purpose.

Latch: Storage element which usually relays a signal transparentlyduring the H level and stores it during the L level. Latches where thefunction of levels is exactly the opposite are sometimes used in PAEs.An inverter is then connected before the clock pulse of a conventionallatch.

Logic cells: Configurable cells used in DFPs, FPGAs, DPGAs, fulfillingsimple logical or arithmetic functions, depending on configuration.

MASTER: Flag in EB-REG showing that the E-BUS unit is a MASTER.

MODE PLUREG: Register in which the primary logic unit sets theconfiguration of an INPUT/OUTPUT CELL.

OUTPUT CELL: Unit that transmits data from an I-BUS to the E-BUS.

PAE: Processing array element: EALU with O-REG, R-REG, R20-MUX,F-PLUREG, M-PLUREG, BM UNIT, SM UNIT, sync UNIT, state-back UNIT andpower UNIT.

PLU: Unit for configuring and reconfiguring a PAE or a logic cell.Configured by a microcontroller specifically designed for this purpose.

REQ-MASTER: Flag in the EB-REG indicating that the unit would like tobecome E-BUS MASTER.

RS flip-flop: Reset/set flip-flop. Storage element which can be switchedby two signals.

SET-REG: Register indicating that data has been written in an I-GATE-REGor E-GATE-REG but not yet read.

STATE-GATE: Gate switching the output of the SET-REG to the E-BUS.

Gate: Switch that relays or blocks a signal. Simple comparison: relay.

Reconfiguring: New configuration of any number of PAEs or logic cellswhile any remaining number of PAEs or logic cells continue their ownfunction (see configuring).

State machine: Logic which can assume miscellaneous states. Thetransitions between states depend on various input parameters. Thesemachines are used to control complex functions and belong to the relatedart.

1-18. (canceled)
 19. A method of controlling communication between aplurality of cells arranged in a multidimensional cell structure and atleast one external cell, comprising: for write access to the at leastone external cell: transmitting data of the plurality of cells on linesof an internal bus interconnecting the plurality of cells and to writeregisters assigned to the lines; and switching the write registers to anexternal bus in communication with the at least one external cell viaopening of respective gates; and for read access from the at least oneexternal cell: transmitting data of the at least one external cell toread registers assigned to the lines; and switching the read registersto the lines of the internal bus via opening of the gates; wherein onlyone gate is open at a time.
 20. The method of claim 19, furthercomprising: for each of the read and write registers, indicating in acorresponding state register whether the state register's correspondingregister includes data to be one of written and read.
 21. The method ofclaim 19, further comprising: an address generator one of incrementingand decrementing a value after each read, the value being used toaddress the read registers.
 22. The method of claim 21, wherein thevalue is one of incremented and decremented to a predetermined value,the method further comprising: setting a bit to indicate termination ofaddress generation responsive to the value being set to thepredetermined value.